The Illinois TRUST Act, signed into law by then-Governor Bruce Rauner (R) on August 28, 2017, established significant protections for immigrant communities in the state. Its primary purpose was to limit local law enforcement’s participation in federal immigration enforcement activities.

Key provisions of the TRUST Act include:

1. Prohibiting law enforcement from detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status or ICE detainers
2. Restricting the sharing of information with federal immigration authorities
3. Limiting access to local facilities and resources for immigration enforcement purposes

The law was enacted to foster trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, with the goal of enhancing public safety by encouraging all residents to report crimes and cooperate with police investigations without fear of deportation.

Supporters of the TRUST Act argued that it would make Illinois safer by ensuring that undocumented immigrants could interact with local authorities without risking deportation. The law received backing from various immigrant rights organizations and some law enforcement agencies.

However, critics of the TRUST Act argue that it has turned Illinois into a “sanctuary state” and hampers cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies. They contend that repealing the act would allow for better enforcement of immigration laws and improve public safety.

The introduction of this repeal bill comes amid ongoing national debates about immigration policy and the role of state and local governments in federal immigration enforcement. As the legislative process unfolds, it is likely to spark intense discussions about the balance between public safety, community trust, and immigration enforcement in Illinois.

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Key Policy Changes

Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued two directives that will have far-reaching impacts on immigration enforcement across the United States:

1. Rescinding “Sensitive Locations” Protections: The first directive eliminates guidelines that previously restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations in or near so-called “sensitive” areas. These areas included schools, churches, hospitals, and other locations where vulnerable populations often gather.
2. Reforming Humanitarian Parole: The second directive aims to end what the administration calls “broad abuse” of humanitarian parole. It orders a return to case-by-case consideration for parole applications, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of migrants who entered the U.S. under previous parole programs.

Administration’s Rationale

A DHS spokesperson emphasized that these actions are intended to empower law enforcement to “catch criminal aliens” who have entered the country illegally. The statement asserts that “criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest”.

Sources indicate that arrests are likely to begin in major urban areas, including the D.C. region, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. ICE currently faces a funding shortfall, though, which may affect its ability to maintain existing deportation levels and implement new policies.

Community Trust and Access to Essential Services

Churches and schools have historically been designated as “sensitive locations” for immigration enforcement due to several important reasons:

The primary purpose of designating these locations as sensitive was to ensure that immigrant communities could access essential services without fear of deportation. This policy aimed to:

1. Allow children to attend school regardless of their immigration status
2. Enable people to seek medical care when needed
3. Permit individuals to practice their faith freely
4. Encourage participation in community activities and daily life

The concept of sensitive locations in U.S. immigration enforcement has evolved over time, with its roots tracing back to the early 1990s. Here’s a more detailed look at the historical development of this policy:

1993 INS Memo

The origins of the sensitive locations policy can be traced back to May 17, 1993, when James A. Puleo, the Acting Associate Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), issued a memorandum titled “Enforcement Activities at Schools, Places of Worship, or at funerals or other religious ceremonies”. This memo established the first formal guidelines limiting immigration enforcement actions at specific locations. The key points of this memo were:

• It recognized the need to balance enforcement duties with respect for community institutions.
• It specifically addressed schools and places of worship as locations requiring special consideration.
• The memo advised INS officers to avoid enforcement activities at these locations unless there were exigent circumstances.

2011 ICE Policy Formalization

On Oct. 24, 2011, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took a significant step by formalizing and expanding the sensitive locations policy. This policy, known as the “Enforcement Actions at or Focused on Sensitive Locations” memorandum (ICE Policy No. 10029.2), included several important elements:

• It broadened the definition of sensitive locations to include schools, hospitals, churches, synagogues, mosques, and sites of public demonstrations.
• The policy required ICE officers to obtain prior approval from supervisory officials before conducting enforcement actions at these locations.
• It outlined specific exceptions for exigent circumstances, such as national security threats or imminent risk of violence.

2013 CBP Adoption

In 2013, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) followed suit by adopting a similar policy. This expansion ensured that the sensitive locations guidelines were applied consistently across the two main immigration enforcement agencies within the Department of Homeland Security.

The adoption of this policy by CBP was significant because:

• It created a more uniform approach to immigration enforcement across different agencies.
• It extended protections to sensitive locations in border areas where CBP operates.

These policies have continued to evolve, with subsequent administrations issuing further guidance and clarifications. However, the core principle of limiting enforcement actions at certain sensitive locations has remained a consistent feature of U.S. immigration policy since its inception in 1993.

Broader Context

These policy changes align with President Trump’s campaign promises to take a harder stance on immigration enforcement. They come as part of a broader set of executive actions signed in the early days of his second term, aimed at reshaping U.S. immigration policy.

As these new directives take effect, state and local officials across the country are bracing for increased immigration enforcement activities in their communities. The full impact of these policy shifts remains to be seen, but they signal a significant change in the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement.

Illinois TRUST Act and Recent Developments

The Illinois TRUST Act, enacted in under Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017, established important protections for immigrant communities in Illinois by limiting local law enforcement’s participation in federal immigration enforcement. 

Key Provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act

1. Prohibits law enforcement from detaining individuals solely based on immigration status or ICE detainers.
2. Restricts sharing of information with federal immigration authorities.
3. Limits access to local facilities and resources for immigration enforcement purposes.
4. Requires annual reporting to the Illinois Attorney General on interactions with federal immigration authorities.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has committed to upholding the Illinois Trust Act and opposing federal immigration enforcement initiatives. In support of this, the Chicago Police Department has reiterated its compliance with the city’s “Welcoming City Ordinance,” which is in harmony with the principles of the TRUST Act.

On Wednesday, January 15, representatives from the Champaign Police, Legal, and Equity & Engagement Departments collaborated with the New American Welcome Center to elucidate the provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act. This 2018 legislation dictates the interaction between Illinois law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, specifically prohibiting officers from participating in civil immigration enforcement. The event was organized by the Public Safety Group of the Champaign County Welcoming Plan.

During the briefing on the operational procedures of Champaign Police and relevant laws, Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler, City Attorney Tom Yu, alongside police chiefs from Urbana and the University of Illinois, as well as the Champaign County Sheriff, participated in a panel discussion. This session allowed for an open exchange with over 50 local service providers present. Additionally, various local agencies, including Champaign Fire, hosted resource tables to disseminate information and enhance community safety.

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Power and Limitations

While executive orders provide presidents with a means to act independently of Congress, they are not without constraints:

1. Legal Boundaries: Executive orders must operate within existing legal parameters and can be subject to judicial review if they exceed the president’s authority.
2. Congressional Oversight: Although Congress cannot directly rescind an executive order, it can pass legislation to obstruct its implementation or cut funding for its execution.
3. Presidential Succession: Incoming presidents often issue orders to revoke those established by their predecessors.

Historical Context and Usage

Every U.S. president, except William Henry Harrison, has issued executive orders. The number varies widely, with Franklin D. Roosevelt holding the record at 3,721 orders across his four terms. Recent presidents have also made extensive use of this tool, with Trump signing 220 orders during his first term and Biden issuing over 30 in his first month alone.

Executive orders and laws passed by Congress differ in several key ways:

1. Approval Process: Executive orders are issued directly by the President without requiring Congressional approval. In contrast, laws must go through the full legislative process, including debate, amendments, and voting in both chambers of Congress before being signed by the President.
2. Constitutional Authority: Executive orders derive their authority from Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which grants executive power to the President. Laws, on the other hand, are based on Congress’s legislative powers outlined in the Constitution.
3. Scope and Applicability: Laws passed by Congress apply to the entire country and are binding on all citizens. Executive orders primarily manage federal government operations and direct federal agencies on how to implement existing laws.
4. Permanence: Laws can only be changed through the legislative process. Executive orders can be more easily altered or revoked by subsequent presidents or through judicial review.
5. Judicial Review: Both executive orders and laws are subject to judicial review and can be overturned if found unconstitutional. However, the standards for review may differ.
6. Implementation: Executive orders often provide specific directives to federal agencies on how to implement or enforce existing laws. Laws, in contrast, establish the broader legal framework that executive orders must operate within.
7. Flexibility: Presidents can use executive orders to respond quickly to emergencies or address pressing issues without waiting for Congressional action. Laws typically require more time to enact due to the legislative process.
8. Limitations: Executive orders must operate within existing legal parameters and cannot create new laws or override legislation passed by Congress. Laws passed by Congress have broader authority to establish new legal frameworks.

Congress has several ways to limit or override an executive order:

1. Pass legislation that invalidates the executive order. If the president vetoes this legislation, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
2. Deny funding for the implementation of the executive order through its power of the purse. By withholding necessary funds, Congress can effectively thwart an executive order that requires financial resources.
3. Hold oversight hearings or launch investigations into the executive order, which can decrease the president’s public approval rating and create political pressure.
4. Revoke an executive order by passing a measure that explicitly states the order “shall not have any legal effect,” as Congress did in 1992 to an order by President George H.W. Bush.
5. Enact new laws that contradict or supersede the executive order, as executive orders must operate within existing legal frameworks and cannot override laws passed by Congress.
6. Ratify or modify an already-issued executive order by enacting a statute, effectively shaping its implementation or scope.

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Key Highlights

Expanded Direct File Program: The IRS’s Direct File program will be available to eligible taxpayers in 25 states, up from 12 states in the previous year. This free, web-based service now covers more tax situations and includes new features such as data import tools and a chatbot to guide users through the eligibility checker.

Enhanced Online Tools: Taxpayers will benefit from improved access to tax account information through text and voice virtual assistants, expanded features on the IRS Individual Online Account, and increased accessibility to tax forms via mobile devices.

Free File Program: The IRS Free File program is open for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Eight private-sector partners are offering online guided tax software products, with one partner providing a product in Spanish.

Filing Expectations

The IRS anticipates more than 140 million individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year to be filed before the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline. Over half of these returns are expected to be filed with the assistance of tax professionals.

Additional Services

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly: Free tax help for eligible taxpayers
• MilTax: Free return preparation for military members and some veterans
• Redesigned Notices: 284 notices redesigned in 2024, with more to be deployed in 2025
• Scam Alerts: New feature in Individual Online Accounts to protect against emerging threats

As the tax season approaches, taxpayers are encouraged to visit IRS.gov for the most up-to-date information and to take advantage of the various tools and services available to simplify the filing process.

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Key points of the executive order include:

1. Directing the attorney general to seek the death penalty for all crimes deemed severe enough to warrant its use.
2. Encouraging state attorneys general and district attorneys to pursue capital charges for certain crimes, particularly those involving the murder of law enforcement officers.
3. Specifically targeting undocumented immigrants, with the Department of Justice directed to seek the death penalty for illegal immigrants who harm Americans.
4. Instructing the attorney general to take steps to overturn Supreme Court precedents that limit the authority of state and federal governments to impose capital punishment.

In July 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland imposed a moratorium on federal executions, marking a significant shift in the ongoing capital punishment debate. This decision followed a series of 13 federal executions carried out during the final months of the Trump administration, which had ended a 17-year hiatus in federal capital punishment.

Garland’s Moratorium and Review

Garland’s memorandum directed the Department of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of its policies and procedures related to federal executions. The review focused on several key areas:

• Lethal injection protocols
• Justice Manual provisions on capital cases
• Overall manner of execution regulations

During this review period, no federal executions were to be scheduled, effectively pausing capital punishment at the federal level.

Recent Developments

In a significant policy shift, the Biden administration, through Attorney General Garland, withdrew the Justice Department’s protocol for federal executions that allowed for single-drug lethal injections using pentobarbital. This decision was based on a government review that raised concerns about the potential for “unnecessary pain and suffering” during executions.

Historical Context

The pentobarbital protocol was originally adopted by former Attorney General Bill Barr during Trump’s first term. It replaced a three-drug mixture that had been used in federal executions prior to Trump’s presidency.

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CBP App Background

The CBP One app, introduced by the Biden administration in January 2023, was designed to provide a structured process for asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. In May 2023, the Biden administration introduced an “Asylum Ban” that made most asylum seekers ineligible if they crossed through another country en route to the U.S. without first seeking protection there. Using CBP One became one of the few ways to maintain asylum eligibility under this new rule Here’s how it worked for asylum seekers:

Registration and Appointment Scheduling

1. Asylum seekers in central and northern Mexico could download the free CBP One app.
2. Users created an account through Login.gov, providing an email address and password.
3. They could request an appointment daily between 11 a.m. and 10 a.m. the following day.
4. The app used a semi-random selection process to choose registrants for the limited daily appointments.
5. A percentage of appointments were reserved for those with the earliest registered profiles.

Appointment Process

• Selected users received a notification and had 23 hours to accept the appointment.
• Unsuccessful applicants had to repeat the process the next day.
• Appointments were scheduled for one of eight designated ports of entry along the southwest border.

At the Port of Entry

• On the scheduled date, asylum seekers presented themselves at the designated port of entry.
• They underwent thorough screening and vetting, including biographic and biometric security checks.
• If admitted, individuals were typically placed into immigration proceedings and could be granted parole for up to two years.

Key Features

• The app was available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
• It allowed for the scheduling of about 1,450 appointments per day.
• By the end of 2024, over 900,000 people had entered the U.S. legally using CBP One.

Limitations and Challenges

• High demand led to long wait times, often extending for months.
• The app faced criticism for technical issues and accessibility concerns.
• It became the primary, and often only, way for asylum seekers to maintain guaranteed asylum eligibility at the border.

The CBP One app aimed to create a more orderly and humane process for asylum seekers, reducing illegal border crossings and the influence of smugglers. However, it also faced criticism for potentially limiting access to asylum and creating technological barriers for vulnerable populations.

Shutdown and Immediate Impact

On January 20, 2025, newly appointed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem followed through on her confirmation hearing promise to shut down the CBP One app on her first day in office. This action was in line with the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown.

The sudden shutdown of the app has left many migrants in limbo, dashing their hopes of entering the United States through the previously established legal channel. Thousands of asylum seekers who had already scheduled appointments or were in the process of using the app found themselves without a clear path forward.

Impact on Legal Entry

By December 2024, over 936,500 individuals had successfully used the app to arrange appointments, with nearly 44,000 people processed in December alone. By canceling the app, an estimated 270,000 migrants who were waiting to enter the U.S. through the app in limbo. Around 280,000 individuals were attempting to claim one of the 1,450 daily slots each day.

The abrupt termination of the CBP One app has left many migrants in limbo, particularly those who had already traveled to border towns in Mexico in anticipation of their scheduled appointments. The full extent of the impact is still unfolding, as the shutdown affects not only those with immediate appointments but also those who are planning to use the app in the near future.

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The rescinded order, signed by Biden on Oct.14, 2022, aimed to address the challenges many Americans face in paying for prescription drugs. It directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to explore new healthcare payment and delivery models that would lower drug costs and promote access to innovative drug therapies for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Trump’s decision to overturn this executive order could have far-reaching consequences for American consumers, particularly seniors and those with chronic health conditions. Under Biden’s order, Medicare beneficiaries were set to benefit from several cost-saving measures, including:

1. A cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs
2. A $35 monthly cap per prescription for insulin
3. Zero out-of-pocket costs for recommended adult vaccines
4. Medicare’s ability to negotiate prices for selected high-cost prescription drugs

“Too many Americans face challenges paying for prescription drugs. On average, Americans pay two to three times as much as people in other countries for prescription drugs, and one in four Americans who take prescription drugs struggle to afford their medications,” Biden said in 2022. “Nearly three in 10 American adults who take prescription drugs say that they have skipped doses, cut pills in half or not filled prescriptions due to cost.”

The reversal of these policies could potentially lead to increased drug costs for millions of Americans. According to the Biden administration’s estimates, Medicare beneficiaries were expected to save $1.5 billion in 2026, the first year of implementation, with projected savings of $6 billion if negotiated prices had been in effect in 2023.

It’s important to note that this executive order primarily directed the Department of Health and Human Services to explore new healthcare payment and delivery models to lower drug costs. Its rescission does not automatically undo existing laws and regulations.

Key points to consider:

1. Existing laws remain in effect: The Inflation Reduction Act, which includes provisions for Medicare drug price negotiations and other cost-saving measures, remains law. These statutory changes cannot be undone by executive order alone and would require congressional action to repeal.
2. Disruption of momentum: The rescission of the executive order does disrupt the momentum toward developing new cost-saving measures. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) was working on implementing three new models aimed at improving prescription drug affordability and access. With the executive order revoked, these efforts may be halted or significantly altered.
3. Regulatory uncertainty: While existing regulations remain in place, there is now uncertainty about future drug pricing policies and the federal government’s strategy for managing prescription drug costs.
4. Potential for new directions: The Trump administration could take various approaches to drug pricing, including staying the course with existing laws, watering down implementation, or attempting to repeal programs like Medicare drug price negotiations.

The Trump administration could take various approaches, including:

• Staying the course with existing laws
• Watering down implementation
• Attempting to repeal programs like Medicare drug price negotiations

It’s worth noting that while the executive order has been rescinded, the full impact on drug pricing and healthcare policies will depend on subsequent actions taken by the Trump administration and Congress. The situation remains fluid, and further policy changes may be forthcoming.

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At the heart of this controversy lies the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, which has long been interpreted as guaranteeing citizenship to nearly all individuals born on U.S. soil.

The 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship

The first sentence of the 14th Amendment’s Section 1 states:

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

This clause, known as the Citizenship Clause, has been the bedrock of birthright citizenship in the United States for over 150 years. It was originally passed to overturn the infamous Dred Scott decision, which had denied citizenship to African Americans.

Supreme Court Interpretations

The Supreme Court has consistently upheld a broad interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s citizenship provision. In the landmark 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the Court ruled that a child born in the United States to Chinese immigrant parents was indeed a U.S. citizen, regardless of the parents’ citizenship status.

Exceptions to Birthright Citizenship

While the 14th Amendment’s language is broad, there are a few narrow exceptions to birthright citizenship:

1. Children of foreign diplomats
2. Children born to enemy forces in hostile occupation of U.S. territory

These exceptions are based on the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” in the amendment’s text.

Key Points of the Executive Order

The order stipulates that U.S. citizenship will not automatically extend to individuals born in the United States under two specific circumstances:

1. When the mother was unlawfully present in the U.S. and the father was neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident at the time of birth.
2. When the mother’s presence in the U.S. was lawful but temporary (e.g., on a student, work, or tourist visa) and the father was neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident at the time of birth.

The new policy will apply to individuals born in the United States 30 days after the date of the order. The Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Commissioner of Social Security are directed to ensure their departments’ regulations and policies align with this order1.

Rationale and Legal Context

The executive order cites the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States”. The administration argues that this amendment has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States.

The order also references the Supreme Court’s decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), noting that the 14th Amendment rightly repudiated this “shameful decision” that had excluded people of African descent from U.S. citizenship based on race.

Potential Implications and Controversy

This executive order represents a significant shift in the interpretation of birthright citizenship, which has been a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy for over 150 years. Critics may argue that the order oversteps executive authority and may face legal challenges.

ACLU and Immigrants’ Rights Advocates File Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over Birthright Citizenship Executive Order

In a bold move to safeguard constitutional rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, along with its state affiliates in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit challenges a controversial executive order aimed at denying U.S. citizenship to certain children born in the United States.

The case, spearheaded by a coalition including the ACLU, the Asian Law Caucus, the State Democracy Defenders Fund, and the Legal Defense Fund, represents a united front against what is seen as a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment. The plaintiffs, including organizations like New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and Make the Road New York, argue that the order blatantly disregards established Supreme Court precedent and congressional intent.

“Denying citizenship to children born on U.S. soil is not only unconstitutional, but it also undermines the fundamental values that define America as a nation,” stated Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU. “This executive order creates a dangerous precedent, attempting to establish a permanent subclass of Americans, which we cannot allow.”

The lawsuit emphasizes the potential human cost of the executive order, highlighting the plight of immigrant families currently expecting children. One such family, members of the New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support, expressed fear and uncertainty about the future of their unborn child. “This order not only threatens the well-being of our child but also casts doubt on the very rights and protections that should be guaranteed to every person born in this country,” shared a representative of the group.

Pritzker’s Statement on Birthright Citizenship Executive Order

Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement regarding President Trump signing an executive order on birthright citizenship: ​

“President Trump’s executive order to strip birthright citizenship from people born in this country is unconstitutional. Here in Illinois, we follow the law. This is only the beginning of the new administration’s attempt to undermine the rule of law, and the people of Illinois can count on me to stand against unconstitutional actions.”

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WHO Withdrawal

President Trump cited several reasons for withdrawing from the WHO, including alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about the organization’s relationship with China. Despite Trump’s claims, multiple independent evaluations have affirmed that the WHO acted within the limits of the available data at the onset of the pandemic.

The withdrawal process will take one year to complete, during which time the U.S. will remain a member.

The implications of this decision are far-reaching:

• Financial impact: The U.S. is one of WHO’s largest financial contributors, providing approximately $1.28 billion in 2022-2023. This loss could severely constrain WHO’s ability to carry out critical global health initiatives.
• Operational challenges: The withdrawal will disrupt collaborations between WHO and U.S. agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Loss of influence: The U.S. will lose its voice at the World Health Assembly, potentially allowing other countries like China to take on larger roles in shaping global health policies.

Health experts warn that this move could undermine international efforts to prevent and respond to pandemics, potentially increasing global health risks. Liechtenstein is the only other independent nation that is not part of WHO.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a wide range of services and support for its member states:

Technical Assistance and Guidance

WHO offers technical assistance to countries in strengthening their health systems and addressing various health challenges. This includes:

• Supporting the development of national health policies and strategies
• Providing guidance on best practices in public health
• Offering expertise in disease prevention and control
• Assisting in health emergency preparedness and response

Setting International Health Standards

WHO establishes and promotes international health standards and norms, including:

• The International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
• Guidelines for essential medicines and health products
• Recommendations for health workforce training and labor policies

Health Emergency Response

During health emergencies, WHO:

• Coordinates international responses to outbreaks and disasters
• Provides medical supplies, equipment, and personnel
• Supports local governments in managing health crises

Research and Information

WHO contributes to global health knowledge by:

• Shaping research agendas and stimulating knowledge generation
• Collecting and disseminating health data and statistics
• Monitoring global health trends and assessing health risks

Capacity Building

The organization works to strengthen health systems by:

• Training health workers and supporting workforce development
• Helping countries improve their regulatory systems for medical products
• Assisting in the development of digital health systems and data management

Advocacy and Leadership

WHO serves as a global health leader by:

• Advocating for universal health coverage and health equity
• Promoting intersectoral approaches to address health determinants
• Engaging in health diplomacy and fostering international cooperation

Financial Protection

While not directly funding health services in most cases, WHO works towards:

• Promoting sustainable financing for health systems
• Advocating for financial protection to prevent catastrophic health expenditures

Paris Climate Agreement Exit

Simultaneously, President Trump ordered the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, fulfilling a campaign promise. The decision is based on the administration’s policy to prioritize American interests in international environmental agreements.

Key points of the withdrawal include:

• The U.S. will join Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only countries not participating in the accord.
• The withdrawal process will take one year to complete.
• The White House has declared a “national energy emergency” to reverse U.S. climate regulations and boost oil and gas production.

This decision comes after global temperatures in 2024 surpassed pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time in a single year. U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be at least 3% higher in 2030 than they would have been with Paris Agreement policies in place.

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This sudden removal of Spanish-language content marks a significant shift from previous administrations. The practice of maintaining a Spanish version of the White House website dates back to the Clinton era, with both the Bush and Obama administrations continuing the tradition. The disappearance of the Spanish-language site echoes a similar move made during Trump’s first term in 2017 when the Spanish version of whitehouse.gov was taken down shortly after his inauguration. At that time, the Trump administration faced criticism for the decision, with many viewing it as unwelcoming to Spanish-speaking Americans.

The removal of Spanish-language content from the White House website affects a significant portion of the U.S. population. With over 50 million Spanish speakers in the United States, Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the country after English.

As of now, the Trump administration has not issued an official statement regarding the removal of the Spanish-language website. It remains unclear whether this is a temporary measure during the transition or a more permanent policy decision.

Changes to whitehouse.gov

In a swift digital transformation, the official White House website underwent a significant overhaul just moments after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The new site, which features a dynamic promotional video reminiscent of a sports hype reel, marks a stark departure from the previous administration’s online presence.

Immediate Changes

As Trump took the oath of office, visitors to WhiteHouse.gov were greeted with a 30-second montage showcasing highlights from his first term, military imagery, and scenes from his campaign trail. The video includes footage of Trump stepping off Marine Force One, engaging with supporters, and signing legislation, all set to an uplifting soundtrack. Following the montage, the tagline “The White House. President Donald J. Trump” appears on screen.The new homepage prominently displays a large image of Trump pointing with the declaration “America is back,” signaling a return to his administration’s core messaging.

Removal of Previous Features

Several features from the Biden administration’s website have been eliminated. Notably absent is the option for Spanish language translation and a contact form that allowed users to specify their pronouns. The revamped site now consists of three main sections: news, administration, and issues.Under the “issues” section, Trump’s key priorities are outlined, including:

• Ending inflation
• Enacting tax cuts
• Securing U.S. borders
• Increasing domestic energy production
• Tackling crime

The administration page highlights key figures in Trump’s cabinet, including Vice President J.D. Vance and First Lady Melania Trump. A dedicated cabinet page provides detailed information about each nominee, although none have yet received Senate confirmation.

Executive Actions on the Horizon

A prominent feature of the new homepage is dedicated to Trump’s anticipated executive actions. His team has indicated plans to sign over 100 executive orders within his first week in office, focusing on issues such as immigration policy changes—including an end to birthright citizenship—and modifications to energy regulations.

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